Performance Analysis of a Solar-Powered Multi-Purpose Supply Container

Abstract

In this article, the performance of a solar-powered multi-purpose supply container used as a service module for first-aid, showering, freezing, refrigeration and water generation purposes in areas of social emergency is analyzed. The average daily energy production of the solar panel is compared to the average daily energy demands of the above-mentioned types of service modules. The comparison refers to five different locations based on the Köppen–Geiger classification of climatic zones with the data for energy demand being taken from another publication. It is shown that in locations up to mid-latitudes, the supply container is not only able to power all types of modules all year round but also to provide up to 15 m3 of desalinated water per day for drinking, domestic use and irrigation purposes. This proves and quantifies the possibility of combining basic supply with efficient transport and self-sufficiency by using suitably equipped shipping containers. Thus, flexible solutions are provided to some of the most challenging problems humans will face in the future, such as natural disasters, water scarcity, starvation and homelessness.